Love & Gelato

As Lina reads the journal, she begins to follow in her mother's footsteps, visiting the places described in its pages and slowly piecing together a story of love, friendship and a secret that her mother never told her. Ren, a friendly half-Italian boy she meets on a run, becomes her guide and accomplice, and their adventures across Florence and the Tuscan countryside, often on a bicycle or a scooter, are full of humour and charm.

The chapters alternate between Lina's present and her mother's journal entries, which gives the book a gentle mystery and a moving portrait of a young woman finding her way. Lina's grief is portrayed honestly but without heaviness, and the novel celebrates food, art and the beauty of Italy. The romance is sweet and clean, and the question of who Lina's father really is keeps the pages turning. The ending is satisfying and hopeful.

Charming, romantic and comforting, followed by companion novels Love & Luck and Love & Olives. It is an especially good summer read, and many readers finish it planning a trip to Florence or at least a trip to the nearest gelato shop. About 400 pages in the Simon Pulse paperback.